“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I have done this because you have limited strength, yet you have obeyed My word and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8
“How do I decide if the open door of opportunity is from God?”
Over the last 35 years, I’ve mentored young professional Christian women who are seeking godly wisdom and long to be in God’s will.
I’m dedicating the next four weeks on this blog to answering the most frequently asked questions during those special mentoring moments.
Can you relate to some of their questions?
How do I decide if this open door is an opportunity from God or not?
How long should I wait before moving forward through the open door?
How will I know, without hesitation, that God wants me to walk through this open door?
Henry and Richard Blackaby remind us in their book, Hearing God’s Voice, “The problem with open doors is the emphasis is erroneously placed on the door rather than on God.”
I agree. I encourage the women I’m mentoring to focus on God and not the door.
Where’s your focus today?
God will freely give His wisdom and guidance to you as you seek Him with all of your heart.
God never intended for us to do life alone. You need to surround yourself with godly friends, mentors and a solid Bible believing church community.
Let’s look at three steps that can help you discern how to walk through the Open Door of Opportunity from God.
1.SEEK God in prayer.
Ask God to reveal His will and purpose to you. Personal prayer connects you and God. Simply, pour out your heart and talk to God like He is sitting in the chair right beside you. The conversation isn’t formal, stiff or constantly read from a book.
You and I need to be authentic. Good listeners. Not distracted.
I want to encourage you to not be afraid of silence while you sit and listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. Have courage. Don’t be afraid. Tell God your true emotions and thoughts from your heart.
Praise Him.
Thank Him.
Ask Him.
Spend Time reading His Scripture.
(Read the prayers in Nehemiah 1 for encouragement)
2.SEARCH for Inconsistencies and Affirmations.
An open door from God will be confirmed and consistent in four ways: God’s Scripture, prayer, godly people living authentically for Christ, and your circumstances. (A great reference for this entitled, Experiencing God)
If you ask, God will reveal the inconsistencies and contradictions. The warning signs will be flashing.
Here are a few main things to be looking for: the opportunity will appear to be good but will be against God’s scriptures and commands, it will pull you away from godly people and events, and there will be a temptation to sin against God and His Word repeatedly.
God will never give you a new opportunity that will make you think you don’t need Him anymore or encourages you to be disobedient to His Word.
(Read 2 Peter 2:1-3 about false teaching and inconsistencies)
3.STEP UP and totally depend on God.
Get rid of the distractions in your life and focus on depending on God for discernment. Don’t stare at the door. Look at Christ who opens and closes all doors.
Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open. Alexander Graham Bell
WARNING:
Open Doors of Opportunity from God are not always easy. Actually, at times they can be pretty difficult, but that is where all of us learn to grow and our faith is stretched.
Deuteronomy 30:11 “Now what I am commanding you today, is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.”
Sometimes God will open Doors of Opportunity for a new job, new healthy and loving relationship or volunteer work to help others.
Other times, God will provide an open door for you to run as fast as possible away from a sin, mistake, temptation or trouble. When God opens that escape door, don’t look back, just run. (Read the story of Joseph and his escape door in Genesis 39)
“Any temptation you face will be nothing new. But God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle. But He always provides a way of escape so that you will be able to endure and keep moving forward.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Take a moment right now to evaluate your relationship with God. Where is your focus? If you are facing an open door of opportunity and need wisdom and discernment on what to do, now is the time to Seek, Search and Step Up and totally depend on God.
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